Six Things I Learned This Summer

With summer winding down, I’d like to share six things I learned during this season. (I’m borrowing and modifying this idea from my friend Bekah Shaffer, who dedicates a blog post each month to the things she’s learned. Check out what Bekah learned in August.)

A website dedicated to telling Bible stories with LEGO bricks exists.

My nerd heart couldn’t take the excitement when the children’s pastor at my church used some of the stories during our LEGO-themed Bible school. If you built with LEGO bricks as a kid (or still do), check out the website.

Legally driving 85 miles per hour is a tad scary for me.

This is a discovery from my Texas Adventure. Naturally, I took advantage of the speed limit on the journey between San Antonio and Waco and wished I had my Mustang instead of a rented Nissan Rogue. But, 70 miles per hour is plenty for this girl.

I learned a lot in Texas—even about crops.

I saw sorghum growing in fields for the first time, and spotting corn nearly ready to harvest in early July surprised me. Growing up in knee-high-by-the-fourth-of-July territory, I’d never considered that some Texas farmers plant as early as February and harvest as early as July.

Your vehicle may not have a spare tire.

Of course, I found out the hard way. My Mustang’s tire pressure light came on and derailed my plans to play golf one Sunday afternoon. After checking my tire, I made it home. When I opened the trunk, I discovered a tire-repair kit but no tire. Some auto manufacturers stopped putting spares in trunks to decrease weight and improve gas mileage. So, take a peek in your vehicle’s trunk.

I enjoy watching TV shows about pool construction.

I first discovered the DIY Network’s Pool Kings and burned through the available on-demand episodes as I learned about the world of luxury pools. Then, my nine-year-old nephew told me about Animal Planet’s Insane Pools, so I continued to get my fix of grottos, spas, and fire features.

Podcasting a book is a thing.

Zach Bartels recently started a podcast called Clinch: A Podcast of Fiction and Not-Fiction. During each episode, Zach talks about writing and his publishing journey (the not-fiction part). Then, he reads a chapter from his novel, Clinch. Zach’s publishing story has ups and downs, and the novel is fun and engaging.

2 Responses to Six Things I Learned This Summer

This was fun to read! (I’m still working my way through the list over on Emily’s site.) 85 miles an hour would freak me out. I am not a fast driver. I try not to be a grandma, but I sure lean more that way. Planting in FEBRUARY??? Wow! That’s unreal! And finally, just saw Pool Kings for the first time over Labor Day. Beautiful stuff, but my GOODNESS. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$!!!